COVID-19 isn’t gone, and we’re learning to live in a new world with a barely understood virus. We’ve been cooped up for months, but things are starting to reopen with more precautions and more awareness of those around us. New Yorkers are social people, so this lockdown has been hard, but before you hit the streets or try to make reservations at your favorite restaurant, there are some things you should know about the reopening phases of our state.
HYDR8 has been lucky enough to operate with a limited staff while continuing to provide pure drinking water to essential businesses and homes through the Tri-State Area. We officially made our comeback on June 8, 2020, but there’s more waiting and work to be done by our fellow business owners. Here’s what you need to know about this next chapter of our lives in New York City and how we’re reopening together.
Reopening by Stage
Reopening New York City has been slower than the rest of the state. While many New York regions moved onto phases 2 and 3 by the end of June, NYC was still navigating its next steps out of the first phase. During reopening in the first stages, a handful of sectors were able to get back to work, including construction, agriculture, forestry and fishing, manufacturing, and wholesale trade. Restaurants were allowed to continue offering curbside pickup and delivery for off-site consumption, but in-person dining remained closed off.
In phase 2, businesses in the professional services, retail, administrative services, and real estate sectors can begin to reopen their doors and start serving the communities. This reopening phase means you’ll be able to schedule that much-needed haircut and shop at some of your favorite retailers that choose to open during this phase.
Phase 3 is designated to reopening restaurants and food services, and phase 4 will include education and the arts and entertainment sectors. If you’re like us, you’re ready to hit the town on a Friday night for dinner and a movie. We’ll get there, but it takes all of us working together so we can reopen safely.
Employer Obligations
Keeping your employees safe and healthy will be essential as we master each phase. Employers are being asked to monitor their staff’s health, and employees are being asked to monitor their own health and not come to work if they feel ill. If an employee feels sick, he or she is to be sent home immediately. There are specific guidelines that employers should follow, and you can find more supportive resources on the governor’s website.
Statewide guidelines are still encouraging people to practice social distancing, wash their hands regularly, wear a face mask, and self-quarantine if they’ve come in contact with anyone who has tested positive for the virus. Health officials are still limiting the number of people in public gatherings and events to just 25 people.
In the Case of Another Outbreak
State health officials and outbreak experts speculate that another wave of the virus could be hitting the city, especially if guidelines and requirements aren’t taken seriously. Here at HYDR8, we’re doing everything we can to protect ourselves, our staff, and our clients. But still, officials are preparing for a second wave. According to MarketWatch, the numbers might fall in some areas, but hospitals and medical personnel are preparing themselves for more coronavirus cases in other areas.
These facilities are “aggressively sourcing PPE to comply with a mandate from the state to have at least a 90-day supply.” Ventilators are also being resupplied, and sections of the hospitals that were converted to care for COVID-19 patients are still being maintained in preparation for more patients. The critical thing to remember is that we’re all in this together, and we all need to take care of one another as we venture out in public more and more.
We’re Thankful for Your Support
We love our community of supporters and the people of this city! We can’t wait to serve you more with the refreshing and great-tasting water from our coolers. Thank you to everyone who’s stood by our side during this lockdown! Now, let’s reopen together, and let’s HYDR8 New York! Visit us online for more information and more resources.
Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/sxb8StmTfaw
